Draft-connection control for gang disk plows.



l. H. DAVIS 6L' l. W. MORGAN.

DRAFT CONNECTIGN CONT-ROL FOH,GANG DISK FLOWS.

APPLICATION FILED MAY12. 1913.

L25782. Patented Feb. 19,1918.

2 SHEETS-SHEET l.

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VITXESSES: INVENTOR ORNEY J. H. DAVIS & J. W. MORGAN.

DRAFT coNNEcTloN CONTROL FOR GAN-G DlsK PLows.

APPLICATION FILED MAY I2. |913.

Patented Feb. 19, 1918.

ZYSHEETS-SHEET 2 WITNESSES:

INVENTORS db/zn Ejea/s Jn Wfor an, ...fafa/l UNITED STATES PATENT OEEIOE.

JOHN H. DAVIS AND JOHN W. MORGAN, 0F STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA; SAID MORGAN ASSIGNOR TO SAID DAVIS.

DRAFT-CONNECTION CONTROL FOR GANG DISK FLOWS.

specification of Letters Patent'. Patented Feb. 19, 1918.

Original application led October 12,1912, Serial No. 725,540. Divided and this application filed May 12,

1913. Serial No. 766,990.

To all 'whom t may concern.'

Be it known that we, JOHN H. DAVIS and JOHN W. MORGAN, both citizens of United States, residing at Stockton, in the county of San Joaquin and State of California, have invented new .and useful Improvements in Draft-Connection Controls for Gang Disk Plows, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to disk plows and particularly pertains to a draft connection and control for gang-disk plows; this application being in part for divisional subject-matter of our original application Serial Number 725,540, led October 12, 1912.

It is the object of this invention to .provide a disk plow which is especially adapted to be employed in gangs of two or more plows and to provide a draft and steeringgear therefor by means of which 'an suitable number of plows' can be haule by a single draft connection, with the traction means and the gangs controlled from the rearmost plow. Another object is to. provide a draft-gear for a succession of gangs,

and which is yso arranged that ca ch succeeding gang will be drawnb a single draft connection `or chain from t e gang immediately in advance thereof, as distinguished' from the usual method of connecting the several gangs independently to a long draft bar. Another object is to so construct the plow frames Yfor each gang that a number of gangs can be quickly connected together, which gangs are' designed to be arranged Ain such relation to one another that the haul upon one gang will tend to crowd the gang in advance thereof toward the plowed` ground in opposition to the tendency of the plows to run to land or toward the unplowed ground. A further object is to provide a novel means for connecting` each succeedin gang plow to the gang forward thereof, which will permit of a changein the angular position .and allow a limited advanced or retracted movement of one "gang plow in relation to the other without connections between adjacent gangs to be steered and controlled from the rearmost gang thereby rendering they employment of an operator for each gang unnecessary. n

The invention resides primarily in an angular plow-frame, the forward portion of which carries the plow-disks and the rearward 'portion of which is supported on a steering truck, means for steering the truck, means for raising and lowering the 'plow-frame in relation to the steering truck, means for connecting the forward end of one lframe to the rearward end of another, which will allow of a combined swinging and advancing and retracting movement of one frame in relation to the other, and an adjustable draft connection between adjacent plow-frames so arranged that when a pull is exerted thereon and communicated to the plow-frame, the latter will bear against the plow-frame in frontl Aconstructed in accordance with this invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail plan view with parts broken away, illustrating the ngs.

Fig. 3 is a detail section an Velevation on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a detail elevation, partly in section, of the mechanism for ralsing and lowering the plow frame in relation to the steering truc-k, showingA the universal joint connection -between the plow frame and axle.

In the drawings the plow-frame is shown as formed of two horizontal members A and B, disposed at an angle of approximately 120 in relation to each other, which members may be constructed in onepiece or of separate pieces, rigidly bolted together.

sov

at its outer end on an axle 3 and wheels- 4-4 thereon, in the following manner:

Mounted on the lmember B is a vertically extendin guide postV 5, in which a bar 6 is reciproca ly mounted, and which bar is formed with rack teeth on one of its/vertical edges. A pinion 7 on a shaft carrying a gear 8, meshes with the rack teeth on the bar 6, and a worm-gear 9 on a shaft carrying a crank-wheel 10, meshes with the gear 8, in such manner that when the crank-wheel 10 is rotated the bar 6 will be caused to move up or down in the guide post 5. Formed on the lower end of the bar 6 is a ball 11 which is inclosed in a socket 12 carried on the axle 3; the ball 11 and socket 12 forming a universal joint'between the axle 3 and the frame B, which joint will ad" mit of the axle 3 rocking in vertical direction, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 4, and in a horizontal direction as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 2. The vertical oscillating movement of` the axle 3, permitted by the ball and socket joint, admits of the truck assuming various angles, due to unevenness of the ground, particularly when the wheel 4 is traveling in the furrow cut .by 4the rearmost disk 2.

The part B, axle 3'and wheels 4--4 constitute what we term a truck "to support the rear end of the gang frame or plow-v frame-A.

Horizontal movement of the axle 3 takes lace in steering or directing the plow, and 1s accomplished by means of a hand lever 13 connected to a bar 14 pivotally mounted at 15 on the member B ofthe plow-frame, by means of a connecting rod 16. Attached to the bar 14 on the opposite side of the pivotal joint 15 thereof, are connecting rods' 17- which are attached tothe outer ends of the axle 3 in such manner that when the rod 14 is rocked by means of the lever 13, the axle 3 will be caused to move in a horizontal direction. 1. {t}

An important feature of this invention resides in thedraft-gear through which the vplow is hauled. This draft-gear is here shown as consisting of-a chain 18 which is connected'to the portion A of the plowframe b means of a clevis 19 at a pointedjacent t e junction of the members A and B.; a series of perforations 20 being formed y points.

Leonesay in the member A to receive the clevis pin and permit of the draft-chain 18 being attached to the plow-frame A at various points.

Where the plows are to be employed in a series of gangs, the draft-chain 18 on the forward gang connects with the traction engine, or other hauling power, while the draft-chain 18 on each succeeding gang is connected at its outer end to an arm or eral projection 21 formed on the preceding plow frame adjacent to or rearward o'f the juncture of the members A and B, and extending outwardly at right angles to the latter., In the present case we have shown two gangs connected together; the front gang eing designed to be connected to the traction engine by thechain 18; as many more gangs may be attached in this manner as may be desired.

he arm 21 is formed with a series of perforations 22 to receive the pin of a clevis attached to the outer end of the chain 18'; the series of perforations being provided so that the draft may be adjusted at this point.

The foremost plow-frame is provided with a distance bar for regulating the draft of the forward plow. This distance bar is 'indicated at' 23 and is shown as pivotally formed in the distance bar 23, adjacent its outer end. The draft of the forward plowframe may be adjusted by connectin the distance bar to the chain 18 at di erent Thehforward end of the foremost plow-frame is supported upon a furrow wheel 27, of any suitable description, while the forward ends of the succeedin plowframes are supported by the rear en of the plow-frame, truck 3-4-B, immediately in advance thereof.

The connection between the foremost plow and the one immediately therebehind consists of a horizontal channel 28 formed on the outer end of the portion B on the forward plow frame, and a horizontally disposed roller 29 carried on the outer end of the portion A of the rearward plow-frame; the roller 29 bearing against the vertical wall of the channel 28 and forming a slidable and a pivotal connection between the adjacent plow frames at this point. The forward end of the rearward plow will thus be su ported upon and carried by the trucks of t e low-frame in advance thereof throught e frame of the forward low. \ItA I to the other.

The draft of the foremost gang is regulated b`y means of the adjustable distance bar 23, while the draft on the rearward gangs 1s adjusted by connecting the chain 18 to different points on the member A or the arm 21 of the gang frame immediately in front.

When a. pull is exerted upon the chain 18 connecting the forward gang and the" one immediately 'therebehind, the direction of the pull upon the plow-frame through the chain 18 will be such as to cause the forward end of the rearward plow-frame A to crowd against the rear end of the plowframe B on the forward plow-frame, in such manner as to tend to maintain the several gangs in proper alinement. The connection between the plow-frames is designed to be such that there will be no pull upon the rear gang through the plow-frames other than that exerted through the draftchain 18.

In steering the plows, the operator employs the lever 13 on the rearmost gang. By directing the rearmost gang, the direction of the push of the forward end of this gang upon the gang immediately in advance thereof, will be varied, tendingk to crowd the forward gangs toward the plowed ground when necessary; the plows naturally moving toward the land when the rear trucks are turned in that direction by reason of the tendency of the disk plows 2 to climb.

Normally, this tendency may be overcome by adjusting the draft chains 18'; these chains being taken up or let out as occasion may require, at the point of connection between the ends of the chain 18 and the frame portion A on the rear plow frame, and the portion B on the forward plowframe, by means of the perforations 22 in the arm 21 and perforations 20 in the frame portion A of the rear plow. v v

It will beobserved by reference .to Fig. 1, in which the direction of lforces are indicated by arrows, that the pull upon the 'forward hauling chain 18 is in the direction of the path of travel of the plow, which 5o ,prath of travel is denoted by the arrow Z.

ow if a single gang was used, the tendency of the plows of that gang to travel toward the land would have to be overcome by setting the 'steering wheels 4 4" at an angle to- -ward the plowed ground, but where two or more gangs are employed and are connected together by means of the chains 18',

this setting of the steering wheels at an angle to the path of travel is unnecessar This is occasioned by reason of the pul on the rearward plows being exerted 1nv a direction at an angle to the path of travel thereof and inoppo'sition to the tendency of the plows to move inland. `By connecting the adjacent plow-frames together, as before described, each gang will crowd against the plow-frame immediately in advance thereof, and thereby overcome the inland movement of the plows; the resistance offered by the preceding gangs limiting the crowding action of the gang therebehind, thereby retaining the several gangs in proper alinement. The loose connection between the forward end of one plow and the rear end of the one in vadvance thereof, formed by the channel 28 and roller 29, will allow a slidable and a pivotal movement of the rear frame in relation to the forward frame; the rear frame swinging on its connection with the chain 18. The roller 29 acts to reduce the friction at the point of contact between the adjacent frames.

Having thus described our invention what we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patlent is:

1. In a gang plow, the combination of a plurality of connected gangs, each gang having a plow-frame carrying a series of plow disks, a truck supporting the rear end of each succeeding plow-frame, steering means in connection with each truck, thrust imparting means between the adjacent ends of adjacent plow-frames, and a draft connection between the successive plow-frames whereby each succeeding plow-frame is attached to and pulled from the rear end of the plow-frame in front so that a side thrust of a rear gang is exerted directly against the rear end of the preceding gang.

2. In a gang plow, the combination of a plurality of connected gangs, each gang having ay plow-frame carrying a series of plow-disks with the rear end ofthe frame supported on a truck, thrust imparting means between the adjacent ends of adjacent plow-frames, and a draft connection arranged between adjacent plow-frames to exert a pull on the rear frame at an angle to the path'of travel'of the machine to cause the forward end of the rear gang to crowd.

against the rear end of the preceding gang, and means to control the path of travel of the machine from the rear frame. v

3. In a gang plow, the combination of a plurality of connected gangs, each gang having a plow-frame carrying a series of plow disks, thrust imparting means between Ithe adjacent ends of adjacent plow-frames, and a draft connection between the successive plow-frames whereby each succeeding plow-frame is attached to and pulled from the rear end of the plow-frame in front so that a side thrust of 'a rear gang is exerted rdirectly against the rear end of the precedin n v glnga gang plow, the combination of a series of connected gangs, each comprising a plow-frame carrying a series of angularly disposed plow disks, a truck supporting the rear end of each plow-frame, each plowframe, except the foremost, being pivotally supported on the truck immediately in front, a dlagonal draft chain from the truck in front to the frame immediately in the rear, and means independent of the traction means for controlling both gangs from one truck.

5. In a disk low, an angular frame, a series of plow-dlsks carried by the forward angular portion of the frame, a truck on which the rear angular portion of the frame'.7

is carried, and means on the end of the rear angularportion adapted to slidably receive the forward end of a corresponding plowframe immediately therebehind to form a support for the latter. y

6. In a disk low, an angular frame, a series of plow-disks carried by the forward angular portion of the frame, a truck on which the rear angular ortion of the frame is carried, means on t e end of the rear angular portion adapted to slidably receive the forward end of a corre onding plowframe immediately therebehind to form a supportl for the latter, a perforated lateral projection on the rear angular portion of the frame, and a draft chain attached thereto and connecting with the succeeding low frame to pull the latter and crowd its ont end against the rear end of the-forward frame.

7. In a gang plow, the combination of a plurality of angular frames, a lateral projection on said frames adjacent the juncture of the angles thereof, a draft chain connecting the projection on one frame tothe forward angular portion of the frame immedi-l ately therebehind, and a slidable pivotal connection between the rear end of one frame and the forward end of 'the frame therebehind forming a support for the latter.

8. Ina gang plow, the combination of a plurality of angular frames, a lateral projection on said rames adjacent the juncture of the angles thereof, a draft chain connecting the projection on one frame to the forward angular nortion ofthe frame immediately therebehind, and a horizontal roller on the forward end of one frame adapted to travel in a channel onthe rear end of the frameimmediatel in front thereof.

9. In a gang p ow, the combination of av plurality of succeeding angular' frames, a draft chain connecting one frame at a point adjacent its angle to the frame therebehmd forward of its ang1e,and a pivotal connection between the rear end of one angular frame and the forward end of the frame rearward thereof, said connection forming a support for the frontend of the rearward lframe and an end thrust bearing for the latter to permit the forward movement of a lateral thrust against the adjacent front includin the rear frame to crowd the front frame' 65 sidewise.

10. In a gang plow, the combination of a plurality of succeeding angular frames, a draft chain connecting one frame at a point adjacent its-angle to the frame therebehind forward of its angle, and a pivotal connection between the rear end of one angular frame and the forward end ofthe frame rearward thereof, saidv connection compris ing a channel on the rear end of one frame and a horizontal roller on the forward end of the frame therebehind, said roller` eX- tending into said channel.

11. In a gang plow, a series of gangs arranged one in front of the other, 4each gang includin a plow frame carrying a series of plow dis s, the front ends of the rear frames of the gangs having noses which bear' against and are adapted to move bodily with relation to and while in engagement with the 35 rear end of the adjacent front frame, and means to connect a rear frame to an adjacent front frame whereby the draft upon the rear frame causes the nose thereof to exert frame.

12. In a ang plow, a series of gangs arranged one 1n front of the other, each gang a low frame carrying a series of plow dis s, tlie front ends of the rear frames of the gangs having noses which movably bear against the rear end .of the adjacent front frame and are capable of oscillating about the points of contact of the noses with the adjacentvframes, and adjustable connectionsbetween a rear and the adjacent front fname whereby the draft upon the rear frame'causes the nose to adjustably-exert a lateral'thrust against the adjacent front frame. x

13. In a gang plow, a series of gangs arranged one in front of theother, each gan includin a plow frame carrying aseries o plow d'is s, `a rearwardly extending abutment on each of the frames extending parallel to the path of travel of the plow, the front ends of the rear frames of the gangs having noses which movably bear a ainst the abutment of the adjacent front rame, and adjustable connections between a rear and the adjacent front frame whereby the connect the rear frames to the rear ends of the succeeding front frames to effect the latteral thrust.

l5. In a disk plow, a plurality of stepped gang sections each including a frame and a series of one-Way disks, a primary draft connection for the front gang, and a pivotal connection between adjacent gang sections having an axis free to shift relative to the frame 16. In a disk plow, a plurality of stepped gang sections, arranged obliquely to the line of draft and each including a series of Oneway disks and a draft connection between the'rear end of each gang and the succeeding gang, said connection forming the sole draft means for the succeeding sections.

In testimony whereof We have 'hereunto setour hands in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

JOHN H. DAVIS. JOHN W. MORGAN. Witnesses as to John H. Davis:

W. W. HEALEY, J. H. HERRING. Witnesses:

W. W. DoomT'PLE. MYRA SHADE. 

